A global human society, characterised by islands of wealth, surrounded by a sea of poverty, is unsustainable
Thabo MbekiRead
Together we have travelled a long road to be where we are today. This has been a road of struggle against colonial and apartheid oppression.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the collective journey of overcoming struggles and oppression.
Thabo Mbeki's quote speaks to the shared experiences of people who have fought against colonial and apartheid oppression. It highlights the resilience and unity of those who have traveled a difficult path together, emphasizing the significance of solidarity in the face of adversity and the achievements that emerge from enduring struggles as a community.
In practice
During a graduation speech, one might reflect on the struggles faced by previous generations.
A global human society, characterised by islands of wealth, surrounded by a sea of poverty, is unsustainable
Many of our own people here in this country do not ask about computers, telephones and television sets. They ask - when will we get a road to our village.
South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
Our experience over the last 20 years has shown that indeed people must themselves become their own liberators. You cannot wait for somebody else to come and rescue you.
As we mourn President Mandela’s passing we must ask ourselves the fundamental question - what shall we do to respond to the tasks of building a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa, a people-centred society free of hunger, poverty, disease and inequality, as well as Africa’s renaissance, to whose attainment President Nelson Mandela dedicated his whole life?
Gloom and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times.
The great thing about being a print journalist is that you are permitted to duck. Cameramen get killed while the writers are flat on the floor. A war correspondent for the BBC dedicated his memoir to 50 fallen colleagues, and I guarantee you they were all taking pictures. I am only alive because I am such a chicken.
What did I tell you, Mr. Pippin?' said Sam, sheathing his sword. 'Wolves won't get him. That was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Nearly singed the hair off my head!
Freedom only comes through persistent revolt, through persistent agitation, through persistently rising up against the system of evil.
I was a different kind of player as a kid and didn't do too much shouting and screaming. If things didn't go my way, I tended to get a bit overwhelmed. All I wanted to do was cry on my mom's shoulder. I didn't know how to handle defeat in front of a crowd, and I didn't want to be the loser.
Becoming a parent has changed the risk calculus for me. But it might be age, too, and seeing a lot of friends die in the mountains. Will I take the same risks I took in my 20s? Probably not, but I will always push myself in the mountains.
To those people doubting Serena Williams, writing her off - do not do that to a champion.
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